Body Mass Index refers to the a measure of body fat to help distinguish whether one is underweight, thin, overweight, obese, or normal. Many people do not see the need to calculate their BMI. The idea is to avoid health concerns that arise by being overweight or underweight.
BMI, also known as Quetelet index is derived from the mass and height of a person. To obtain the exact value, one has to divide the body mass by the square of one’s body height. Body mass is measured in kilograms and the height in meters. You can also determine BMI using a chart.
Universally, body mass index is expressed in kg/m2. However, you can also use pounds against inches. In the case where one used pounds against inches, one must use a conversion factor of 703 (kg/m2/)/(lb/in2). BMI is the numerical value of your weight in relation to your height.